Big Brothers Big Sisters Amalgamate to Better Serve Region

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TWO LOCAL BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS’ AGENCIES UNITE TO BETTER SERVE REGIONBig Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton to Become Second Largest Big Brother Big Sister Agency in Canada

Hamilton, ON – January 9, 2018 – After over 50 years of working independently of one another, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington (BBBSHB) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton (BBBSH) are joining forces and amalgamating to one organization effective April 1, 2018.

The amalgamation will increase service capacities of the agencies collectively, as the new Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton (BBBSHH) will become the second largest Big Brother Big Sister agency of 108 affiliates across Canada.

Nearly two years of deliberation and planning have preceded this announcement. Unanimously, Board of Director Members agree that by sharing collective resources, the children of Halton and Hamilton will benefit greatly by amalgamating. Communities will be served better, and over time, the amalgamation will lead to program expansion in both geographic areas.

Mark Kent, Board Chair, BBBSHB explained, “This decision is essentially a proactive, long-term strategy that will enhance the legacies of our independent local agencies.” He added, “We are building a stronger foundation to sustain mentoring in our region.”

“This amalgamation just makes sense for the community. For historical reasons, Burlington children have been looked after by the Hamilton-Burlington agency, and the Halton agency has managed those in the rest of the region. Through this amalgamation, all children and all volunteer mentors will work with the same team, regardless of where they live,” said, Geoffrey Carpenter, Board Chair of the Halton agency.

The upcoming structural change will not affect existing clients, volunteers and donors, assures Marianne Noakes, Executive Director of BBBSHB. “One of the many benefits to the model we chose in coming together is that all of the current volunteers, children and families will come into the new organization seamlessly,” Noakes said.

“Although BBBSHH special events and fundraising will be united, one of the guiding principles that we have agreed on is that should a donor choose, their designation will be honored, whether it is for a specific purpose, program or geographic area,” Noakes added.
It is anticipated that with its collective forces united, BBBSHH will mentor over 2,800 youth in the region by 2018’s year end.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington
For 97 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington (BBBSHB) has been making a positive difference in the lives of local youth by developing and implementing a wide range of mentoring programs. BBBSHB volunteer mentors teach by example the importance of giving back, of staying in school, and of respecting family, peers and community. Proudly, over 1,400 local youth were served last year.